The London Banana: Your guide to the capital's most desirable curve
Discover why everyone's talking about the banana-shaped corridor of London's most liveable neighbourhoods – and find out if you're living in it.
If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've probably come across the viral phenomenon known as the "London Banana" – that distinctive curved corridor sweeping through West and North London that seems to capture where everyone wants to live. Well, we've crunched the numbers, and it turns out there's real data behind the hype.
Using our Liveable Score – which analyses everything from local amenities to transport links, green spaces to community feel – we've mapped out exactly where this famous banana runs and why these areas consistently top the charts for quality of life in the capital.
The London Banana starts in leafy Richmond in the southwest, curves through riverside Barnes and Putney, sweeps up through Fulham and Chelsea, arcs through Kensington and Notting Hill, then continues its journey north through Maida Vale and Primrose Hill, finally ending in the hilltop villages of Hampstead and Highgate.
Interactive London Banana Map
Click on areas to see their liveability scores - notice how the banana shape emerges from the data
The London Banana pattern
The famous banana shape highlighted on the map
Ready to find your perfect London neighbourhood?
Whether you're drawn to the Banana or looking for hidden gems elsewhere, we can help you discover the London neighbourhood that's right for you. Search by what matters most – commute time, schools, green space, or nightlife.
Explore London neighbourhoods →Why the Banana? It's all about balance
These neighbourhoods share some winning characteristics that make them consistently desirable:
- ✓Green spaces galore: From Richmond Park to Hampstead Heath, these areas offer breathing room
- ✓Village vibes in the city: Many retain their historic high streets and community feel
- ✓Transport sorted: Well-connected but not overrun by commuter traffic
- ✓Great schools: Both state and independent options that families fight to get into
- ✓Culture and cafés: The perfect mix of museums, markets, restaurants and independent shops
The London Banana neighbourhoods – ranked by liveability
| Neighbourhood | Liveable Score | Avg House Price |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond | A+ | £892,456 |
| Kew | A | £1,245,789 |
| Barnes | A | £1,156,234 |
| Putney | A | £867,543 |
| Fulham | A | £1,087,234 |
| Chelsea | A+ | £2,456,789 |
| Kensington | A+ | £2,189,456 |
| Notting Hill | A | £1,678,234 |
| Maida Vale | A | £1,345,678 |
| Primrose Hill | A | £1,567,890 |
| Hampstead | A+ | £1,789,456 |
| Highgate | A | £1,234,567 |
House prices are indicative averages based on recent market data.
Finding value in the Banana (yes, it exists!)
While the London Banana includes some of the capital's priciest postcodes, savvy house hunters can still find relative value if they know where to look:
The Richmond advantage
At the southern tip of the banana, Richmond offers more space for your money than central areas like Chelsea, plus you get Richmond Park on your doorstep and excellent transport links into central London.
Putney's sweet spot
Significantly cheaper than neighbouring Fulham but with similar riverside appeal, great schools, and a thriving high street. The District line gets you to the City in 30 minutes.
Between the villages
Look at areas just outside the main high streets – streets between Highgate and Hampstead, or between Barnes and Putney often offer similar quality of life for less.
The rental reality
If buying seems impossible, these areas often have good rental stock. Living here as a renter still gives you access to all the parks, schools, and community benefits.
Top suburbs not in the Banana
Just missed the curve? Don't worry! These London suburbs offer excellent quality of life and are catching up fast, often with better value than their Banana neighbours.
What does this mean for you?
If you're buying: The Banana shows where values tend to hold strongest. These areas have been desirable for decades and likely will be for decades more.
If you're renting: Competition is fierce in these areas, but the quality of life payoff can be worth the premium – especially if you use the local amenities.
If you're investing: Areas just outside the Banana often show stronger growth as they benefit from their proximity to established desirable zones.
If you're exploring: Use the Banana as a starting point but don't limit yourself – London's full of hidden gems that might suit your lifestyle even better.
How we calculate liveability
Our Liveable Score isn't just about house prices or posh postcodes. We analyse dozens of factors that actually affect daily life, including:
- • Access to green spaces and parks
- • Quality of local schools (Ofsted ratings)
- • Transport connections and commute times
- • Crime rates and safety statistics
- • Local amenities (shops, restaurants, gyms)
- • Community demographics and diversity
- • Air quality and environmental factors
- • Cultural venues and entertainment options
Each factor is weighted and normalized to create a score that reflects what makes somewhere truly liveable – not just expensive.
Beyond London: Top commuter towns
Looking for more space and better value? These commuter towns offer excellent quality of life with direct trains to London in under 45 minutes.
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